Doctor's Guide to Types of Scars and Effective Treatment Methods

Our skin weights about 8 pounds, covering a surface area of about 22 square feet. Most of us take our skin for granted but very few people know its importance in keeping us alive. Our skin is waterproof, insulating us from extreme weather conditions, and keeping out pollutants and harmful chemicals out of our body. 

The skin is also very vulnerable because it covers our whole body, shielding us from the harsh conditions. A small injury or trauma can make a big difference in how it looks, leaving unsightly scars that can be etched on the skin for life.

Throughout our lives, our skin is subject to injuries, trauma, and acne. Most people are affected by acne scarring because acne scars on the face can be unsightly.  

The truth is that these scars will never completely go away. However, there are various treatment options that can help reduce its appearance. 

Different types of scars

There are several different types of scars including: 

HYPERTROPHIC SCARS are raised scars that are characterized by excessive amount of collagen forming on the scar. They do not extend beyond the boundaries of the injury.

KELOID SCARS are the result of an overly aggressive healing process that extends beyond the boundaries of the wound. These raised scars are often visible and unsightly. 

ICE PICK SCARS are very deep holes in the skin that look like they have been punctured with an ice pick. Ice pick scars form because of the lack of collagen production in response to deep acne infection.

BOXCAR SCARS are also depressed scars but they are often broader with defined edges at the sides. Just like ice pick scars, boxcar scars form because of insufficient collagen production after trauma.

ROLLING SCARS have ill-defined edges that look like tiny hills and valleys. They are depressed scars formed after an acne outbreak. 

Acne scar treatment options

STEROID INJECTIONS Steroid jabs are effective for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids. Steroid jabs bring down the raised appearance of the scars.

FILLERS If hypotrophic scars can sometimes be treated with dermal fillers. Dermal filler treatment is effective for smoothening out some depressed scars. However, using dermal fillers to fill depressed scars is often not a permanent solution.

LASERS CO2 laser is a skin resurfacing treatment that doctors commonly use to ablate the superficial layer of the skin. The process allows the skin to stimulate more collagen. When the new skin grows, the scarring becomes less visible. However, several sessions may be required to see visible results. 

One of the latest acne scar treatments is to use INFINI laser to induce collagen production at the dermis. Using micro-needles, radiofrequency energy is administered into the dermis, stimulating the production of collagen without harming the superficial layers of the skin.

SPECIALITY SCAR TREATMENT Special scar treatments such as subcision acne scar treatment is a proven treatment that benefits people with rolling scars or boxcar scars. A special needle is used to break down the stubborn scar tissue under the skin, releasing the acne scars and allowing the depression to smoothen out to blend in with the surrounding skin.

Radium Medical Aesthetics is an aesthetic clinic in Singapore that offers a wide range of acne scar treatments. Find out more about their unique services that are tailored to suit every individual.